Blunderbuss

Disc review

by Kevin Laforest – April 26, 2012

Expectations were high for this solo LP from Jack White, once hailed as the saviour of rock’n'roll or something. Blunderbuss does feature some scorching rockers (Sixteen Saltines, Freedom at 21, Weep Themselves to Sleep), where the former White Stripes frontman thrillingly blasts away electric guitar riffs and solos like an Old West sheriff laying down the law. But much of the album is devoted to more down-tempo numbers where honky-tonk piano and acoustic instruments take over, which is a bit of a mixed blessing. Some of White’s smoother songs are trippy enough, but is a ditty like Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy really the best he can do?